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Rubys can be really good if you have the right hunting style and you are in shape. Backpack high and deep, and don't get discouraged early. I've hunted it the last 2 years in a row with rifle in the early season. I've drawn twice with 2 points, and once with 0 points. Glassed one other hunter opening morning last season, then absolutely nobody after that. You won't see many big bucks up there during that season, so when you do you have to get it done. Last 2 seasons we've seen 4 shooters and killed all of them. 27" 5x6, 25" 4x4, 24" 4x4, and a 30.5" 4x5. The next biggest buck to all of these was a spindly 18" 4x4. Glass all day and if you are in the does and small bucks, get the hell away from them. There are a ton of better hunts in Nevada but the fact that we train all year and know the Rubys well definitely gives us a leg up. I usually have a 170+ goal each time going there, and I've accomplished that 3 times in 3 hunts. Don't believe all the Ruby naysayers!

Thanks Bigsur..that's kind of where I'm at. I believe that if you get to know an area, even if it's not "the best" hunt zone, you can still find good bucks. I would rather spend time and money actually hunting rather than collecting points for "the best" zones..just my opinion.

So I've decided to try for area 6 archery as my first choice in hopes of drawing it this year...we'll see what happens. I would think the highest ridges I can find would be the most likely places to start my scouting if I'm able to draw.

Cant go wrong with NV, area 6 is not bad, but don't discount what has been said regarding the rubies, also take a look at the units close to Ely, there is some good hunting to be had there, although glassing with all that PJ (Pinion Juniper) is tough. Once I burn my 6 Nonresi points I will be switching to Archery as well/don't want to wait another 6 years to hunt that great state.